New Implementation Mechanisms for Integrated Development Strategies in ESIF

This article provides an overview of the mechanisms that are used to implement integrated territorial development strategies in the 2014-20 ESIF programme period. It is based on the research conducted as part of a European Commission project which examined the added value of integrated territorial and urban strategies. It sets out how ESIF funding is being used to support integrated development strategies. The article also considers the different rationales for selecting a type of implementation mechanism. The final section will consider some of the conclusions and policy recommendations made as part of the study in relation to the specific implementation mechanisms.

Arno van der Zwet is lecturer in Politics and Public Policy at the University of the West of Scotland and Senior Research Associate at the European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde. The views expressed in this article are personal.

John Bachtler is Professor of European Studies and Director of the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. The views expressed in this article are personal.